Research Specialist

Position Information

Position Description & Details:

The research specialist position at the Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC) supports the overall agronomy research program with an emphasis on crops and production practices prevalent in northeast North Dakota. The two main agronomic program emphasis areas involved with this position include small plot crop variety evaluation trials and small plot applied crop production research. The research specialist will participate in all field and laboratory activities in the agronomy research program. This includes (but is not limited to) seed and field plot preparation, planting, crop maintenance, pesticide application, performing maintenance on equipment, recording field observations throughout the season, harvesting, and processing harvested plot samples. Following proper small plot research experiment protocols is required. This position requires an excellent work ethic (extra hours required during growing season), attention to detail, self-motivation, and desire to keep learning and improving. The position requires a ND Commercial Pesticide Certification License.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support for small plot agricultural research projects.
  • Spring seed preparation including cleaning and packaging of plot seed.
  • Assist station scientists to design, measure and mark small plot locations for various research projects.
  • Perform seasonal tasks on small plot research trials including but not limited to planting, recording field observations, weeding, spraying, rototilling, swathing and harvesting.
  • Process small plot research trials after harvest including but not limited to bagging, storing, cleaning, weighing, and sample collection for quality analysis.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance and needed repairs, and also provide assistance in repairing small plot research equipment.
• Supervise temporary workers when working on small plot research trials.
• Provide support per research agronomist's request on trials and breeder nurseries managed by main station researchers.
• Work with others to properly maintain our fleet of equipment, implements, etc. and assist others to keep station buildings up to code.
• Work with others and follow any directions needed to properly maintain the CASE IH equipment program.
• Work with others to keep our buildings up to code and to promote as efficient and healthy working conditions as possible.
• Assist other station scientists and research specialists when appropriate and help to promote a unified team approach for the work done at the LREC.
• Become proficient with statistical analysis program to set up research trials and record field observations.
• Provide assistance for research scientists to pursue competitive grants.

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
• Overtime as needed.

Advertised Salary:

• $45,000+ (Commensurate with education and experience.)
• Benefitted - Includes retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in agriculture or closely related field OR Associate Degree in agriculture or closely related field with three years of crop production experience.
• Knowledge of northern plains crops and associated crop production techniques.
• Ability to operate field and research equipment (tractors, plot implements, etc.)
• General knowledge of computers including microsoft office applications (word, excel, etc.).
• Possess organizational skills that foster both working individually and in a teamwork environment.
• Good oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in an agricultural discipline and crop production experience.
• Experience in scientific research and knowledge of statistical tools used to analyze research data.
• Confidence and ability to perform farm machinery repair work.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter
• Diploma/transcripts
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com's top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall.

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

We provide transformational education, create knowledge through innovative research, and share knowledge through community engagement that meets the needs of North Dakota and the world.

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.